Yes Guys...I have used Alvey Reels for the past 3 Years and have collection of 6 Alvey Surf Reels. It takes a little pactice, but once you master you will love it. It's simple concept that's been around since 1920's ( Center Pin Reel) and take any abuse you can muster. I have caught stripers, bluefish and sharks with my reels and they keep on ticking like a Timex. Simple maintenance and light oil and they work forever. Since the early 60's the Alvey Reels were some what heavy, but today's technology and design contruction its allot lighter and well balanced with the Alvey Rod or a custom rod. I have been fishing for 25+ years with many Penns and assortment of different manfactures, but the Alvey is only reel that I found to be fun to use and durable, even when I accidentlly dropped it in the sand and rinsed it in the ocean..... and continue to fish with no problems. Then I realized the value of the real and ability handle worse conditions any given day. Now I have fisherman coming by on the beach asking me to demonstrate the reel. If you have more questions, I will be glad to answer them. Fishguy